The instructions include all of the information you will need about the races, transportation and other events around the weekend. Let’s take a look:

Since the Health & Fitness Expo is usually everyone’s first stop, we’ll begin there. The Expo will take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex (WWOS) on Friday, November 9th from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm and Saturday, November 10th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. All race participants MUST attend the expo to turn in signed waivers (click here to print your waiver) and pick-up race packets, which include your race bib with B-Tag timing devices, race shirt, and goody bag. The goody bag also doubles as the bag to use for bag check during the race. This is also where you will receive any commemorative items you may have purchased during registration. If you are unable to attend the expo, instructions are included on how to have someone pick-up your packet for you. Participants for the Wine & Dine Half Marathon, Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K, and the Disney Kid’s Races all MUST go to packet pick-up.

Also included on the first page are some helpful race etiquette tips like how to handle water stations and to make sure you yell encouragement to your fellow runners! I like that one because you are guaranteed to get encouragement right back. Disney runners rule!

Page 2 has all of the information you will need for Race Day.

Host Resort Transportation The following are a list of host resorts where buses will be available to bring participants to and from ALL events surrounding the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. This includes the Expo, half marathon, 5K, kids races, and after party. For the Wine & Dine Half Marathon, runners must be on a bus by 8:00 pm to ensure they make it into their corrals on-time at WWOS. Shuttle service will be suspended between 9:00 pm and 10:00 pm because of road closures, but will recommence at 10:00 for the Finish Line After Party at Epcot.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Disney’s Boardwalk Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

Driving Directions If not staying at a host resort, participants will need to provide their own transportation to all events. An important thing to note is that there will be NOparking or guest drop off at WWOS (race start) on the evening of the race. Runners and spectators will need to park at the Epcot and take shuttles to WWOS. Runners must be on a shuttle by 8:00 pm, so make sure to leave extra time to park your car and wait in line for a shuttle. Good news is that the parking fee will be waived for runners and spectators arriving at Epcot after 6:00 pm. Yippee!

Costumes This is one of the best parts of Disney races…the costumes! Runners get so creative and it’s so fun to see. Please note that runners are NOT allowed to wear a face mask of any kind and will be removed from the course if this is violated.

Bag Check Participants must use the clear bag provided at the expo to check any belongings during the race and affix the label with their bib number on the outside. All bags must be checked by 9:00 pm in the start area at WWOS. Bags will then be transported to Epcot and available for pick-up at in the finish line area and must be claimed by 2:15 am on the morning of November 11th. Unclaimed bags will be moved to Epcot Guest Relations. I have a feeling that this back pick up will be similar to that for the Princess Half Marathon, which went really welll, so I wouldn’t be overly concerned by the process if you are new to runDisney events.

Start Corrals The start corrals will be located in the parking lot of WWOS. The race begins promptly at 10:00 pm, so you will want to make sure you are in your corral with plenty of time to get in the spot you want. Your corral will be listed on your race bib and you will only be granted access to that corral or one behind you. You can find your corral placement by printing your waiver and finding the corresponding corral for your bib number. I will be in Corral C, so make sure to come say hi!

Starting Times The following are scheduled start times for the corrals at WWOS:

9:58 am – Wheelchair Start

10:00 am – Corral A Start

10:05 am – Corral B Start

10:10 am – Corral C Start

10:15 am – Corral D Start

10:20 am – Corral E Start

10:25 am – Corral F Start

Race Bibs Bibs must be centered on the front of your shirt. Safety pins will be provided in your race packet at the expo. Do not bend our fold your bib, as the ChronoTrack B-tag will be affixed to the back of the bib which will be used to track your time. If your bib is not properly centered, damaged or covered, your time may not be recorded properly. Your bib will also be used for the on course photographers, so make sure the number is clearly visible…oh and smile for the camera

Pacing Requirements Remember, you must keep a minimum of 16-minutes per mile throughout the race or you will run the risk of being picked up and brought to the finish line. Keep this in mind if you a planning to stop for character photos. Those lines can get long and it’s easy to lose track of time. Pace cyclists will be on the course to let you know if you have fallen behind.

Changing Tents Changing areas will be available in the finish line area at Epcot so you can get out of those sweaty clothes to enjoy the Food & Wine Festival. You’ve earned that Fisherman’s Pie in Ireland!

Finish Line I’m so glad that they moved the finish line to the Epcot parking lot this year. This will allow for more room for spectators to view the race and they’ve even added a long line of bleachers! This is the same area where many of the other runDisney races finish and it always seems to run smoothly. Oh and see that little orange box? That’s a beer tent!

Looking for the course map? You can find it here! More information is also available over on the runDisney website. Don’t forget to get your copy of the 2012 DFB Mini-Guide to the Epcot Food & Wine Festival to plan for the Finish Line After Party! I know I’ll be stuffing my face with some Food & Wine goodness and an ice cold beer! Can’t wait to see you there